George E. Merrill age 93, a lifelong resident of Salem, NH, died peacefully July 17th at the Mass General Hospital, Boston, MA
He was born in Salem, NH on Church Avenue May 10, 1914, Son of the late Charles & Alta Merrill.
George graduated from Woodbury High School with the class of 1920. He was elected Water Commissioner for Salem in 1955. He started the George E. Merrill & Son Construction business at 38 School St, Salem in 1953, and it is now in its third generation. He also owned and was president of Shannon Trails Horse Farm which has been operating since 1964.
He was a charter member of the Salem Lions Club and treasurer for many years. He was the first person awarded a Melvin Jones Scholar (highest award given by the Lions Club). A Lions Club Scholarship was given in his name in 2007. He annually spearheaded trade shows at Rockingham Park Race Track and was convention chairman for many years. He was also a charter member of the Salem Contractors Association and former Director of the Indian Head Bank in Salem. He was also a member of The Hannah Tenney United Methodist Church in Salem.
He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen (Dawson) Merrill
He is survived by:
1 Daughter: Beverly & her Husband Thomas Connell of Salem
2 Sons: Robert & his Wife Linda Merrill of Franklin, TN
George & his Wife Gail Merrill of Hampstead, NH
8 Grandchildren & 11 Great Grandchildren, 1 Great Great Grandson and numerous friends
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 21 at 10 AM at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St, Salem, NH. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Salem. Calling hours will be held Friday, July 20 from 4-7 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in George’s name may be made to the: Salem Lions Club, PO Box 294, Salem, NH 03079